Latest F1 news in brief

COTA ambassador Mario Andretti bullish on the future of F1 in America

Haas Says Series To Stay In U.S. Despite COTA's Uncertain Future
Marchionne says F1 rulebook should be scrapped
Formula 1 overtaking dropped in 2015
Andretti: Austin will overcome troubles
Wolff: No 'silver bullet' to Mercedes success
Vettel hails 'fantastic' first season at Ferrari
Gutierrez drives Ferrari in Mexico City
F1 could find new US GP venue – Haas
Ecclestone must solve engine problem – Marchionne
Look to MotoGP for new F1 rules model – Marchionne
Vettel 'more Ferrarista' than Alonso ever was – Marchionne
Domenicali linked with move to Lamborghini
Ricciardo leaving options open for 2017
Ferrari 'nothing to do' with spy story – Marchionne
Floatation will not hurt Ferrari in F1 – Marchionne
Marko hopes 'watch will not stop' in 2016
Teams need more money for 21 races – Marchionne
Ecclestone wrong to say F1 'boring' – Hamilton

Gene Haas

Haas Says Series To Stay In U.S. Despite COTA's Uncertain Future
HJ Mai of Sportsbusinessdaily writes that F1 will not turn its back on the U.S. despite the uncertainty surrounding the country's grand prix venue, according to F1 team owner Gene Haas.

The Circuit of the Americas near Austin, Texas, lost millions this year after inclement weather hampered the fourth running of the U.S. Grand Prix at the track. Haas told SBD Global that COTA is the "perfect race" at the moment, but he could see the race move to other venues in the future.

"There are plenty of racing venues available," he said. "If COTA unfortunately wouldn’t be able to make it, I think that another one would pop up because I think it’s important for Formula 1 to be in the United States."

Shortly after the race in October, it emerged that the Texas state government cut its funding of the event from $25M annually to $19.5M this year. COTA's tight financial situation has put next year's race in doubt.

The 2016 U.S. Grand Prix is scheduled for Oct. 23, but an asterisk behind the date indicates the running is subject to an agreement with the promoter. COTA's troubles come at a time when the sport experiences growing interest in the U.S.

NBC Sports Network averaged 418,000 viewers for its live coverage of 13 races this season — the remaining six races aired on NBC or CNBC. NBCSN's viewership figures rank '15 as the best F1 season for a single cable network since '95. In addition, the U.S. based Haas F1 Team will join the racing series next season.

ALTERNATIVE VENUES: Haas, who is also the co-owner of NASCAR team Stewart-Haas Racing, referenced New Jersey, Anaheim and Long Beach as potential alternatives for a U.S. grand prix. From '76-83, Long Beach hosted the U.S. Grand Prix West. The street circuit is still used by IndyCar and Formula E.

"We want to have a U.S. race, and I think Bernie [Ecclestone] understands how important a U.S. race is," Haas said.

He acknowledged, however, the steep price tag of putting on an F1 event makes it difficult for any promoter. With races in Mexico City and Montreal, in addition to Austin, the '16 F1 calendar currently features three North American races. HJ Mai/Sportsbusinessdaily.com

Sergio Marchionne (L) and Mauricio Arrivabene meet the press before Christmas

Marchionne says F1 rulebook should be scrapped
At Ferrari's annual Christmas media briefing Ferrari president Sergio Marchionne said Formula 1 should scrap its current rulebook because it is not digestible for anyone other than lawyers.

"The rules we have in F1 have nothing to do with rules in motorbikes," Marchionne said. "They are two different approaches.

"We need lawyers to properly interpret the rules and we cannot go on like that.

"There's going to be an additional tire and everyone seems to be so happy.

"But I don't know if we have to be happy about the addition of another.

"Talking about scrapping the system, I think we should scrap that system in terms of the complexity of the rules because it is not digestible."

"There is a great respect for manufacturers in the motorbike world so there is a different methodically," said Arrivabene.

"Things are agreed upon together, things are negotiated with all the relevant stakeholders, so decisions are fully shared and taken quickly.

"The federation then takes stock of that.

"It is a different approach and attitude, so they really try and come up with quick changes in order to adapt to pubic taste.

"They are reactive to listen very carefully, to change and react quickly, involving the relevant stakeholders.

"There is also a great level of respect for the engine manufacturers."

On track Hamilton and Rosberg were only passed three times this year – total

Formula 1 overtaking dropped in 2015
Overtaking in Formula 1 dropped by around 20 per cent during the 2015 season, according to wide-ranging statistics released by sole tire supplier Pirelli on Monday.

Over 19 races, Pirelli's data claims that there were 509 overtakes, down from 636 in 2014, with Malaysia featuring the highest (60), and Australia/Singapore the lowest (11).

Toro Rosso rookie Max Verstappen topped the individual overtaking charts, making 49 passes, his move on Sauber's Felipe Nasr at the Belgian Grand Prix landing him an FIA award.

Mercedes pair Lewis Hamilton and Nico Rosberg were the least overtaken drivers, after another dominant campaign, getting passed on track on just three occasions each.

Sebastian Vettel was recognized for the most number of overtakes during a race, pulling off 13 passes as he rose from 18th on the grid to fifth position at the Canadian Grand Prix.

COTA ambassador Mario Andretti

Andretti: Austin will overcome troubles
Mario Andretti, the 1978 Formula 1 World Champion, is adamant that the Circuit of the Americas will overcome its financial problems and host the United States Grand Prix next year.

Formula 1's governing body, the FIA, earlier this month published a revised 21-race calendar for the 2016 season, with the US Grand Prix marked as provisional, pending an agreement.

COTA endured a troubled 2015 event, severely affected by poor weather conditions, while the Texas state government has slashed the subsidy it pays the track by around 20 per cent.

Andretti, who acted as an official ambassador for the Austin-based circuit for three seasons from 2012-2014, told GPUpdate.net: "It's a difficult situation, financially, no question.

"They got hit twice. There was the weather, and then the shortfall in financial aid.

"But there's no way that they will drop that event. It's definitely going to happen. I feel very bold about that. The people involved in the situation, they will come up with answers.

"These are solid individuals involved and they will overcome it."

Formula 1 supremo Bernie Ecclestone recently stated that he expects the race to go ahead next year, explaining: "It will be. For sure. They will sort their finances out."

Wolff says there is no secret to Mercedes success. That is BS, this man Aldo Costa, is their secret. His car designs are hard to beat.

Wolff: No 'silver bullet' to Mercedes success
Mercedes boss Toto Wolff has praised the efforts of his workforce after another year of widespread success, which included both Formula 1 world titles and the DTM crown.

Mercedes comfortably retained the Formula 1 Constructors' title with 16 wins from 19 races in 2015, as Lewis Hamilton again beat team-mate Nico Rosberg to Drivers' honors.

Formula 1 reserve driver Pascal Wehrlein triumphed in Germany's DTM touring car series, while Mercedes claimed further titles across Formula 3, GP3 and GT racing.

Wolff, who joined Mercedes ahead of the 2013 season, spoke of his satisfaction at the brand's achievements, stating that there is no "silver bullet" to competitiveness.

"We've achieved all of our goals this year," said Wolff.

"We again won the Formula 1 Drivers' and Constructors' World Championship with Lewis and the team.

"In the DTM, we bounced back this year after a tough season in 2014, and the successes of the guys in the other series put the icing on the cake.

"There is no silver bullet in motor racing. You have to make the right decisions and mold the best drivers and engineers into a team.

"Having the right team spirit is often underestimated, however, but it's especially important. Our team spirit was outstanding this year."

"From our perspective, it was a fantastic year for us," added Daimler AG board member Ola Kallenius.

"Motor racing is incredibly important to Mercedes-Benz. Our brand was born on the race track, and this year our star shone brightly as never before in the world of motor racing."

Vettel winning in Hungary

Vettel hails 'fantastic' first season at Ferrari
Sebastian Vettel has thanked Ferrari staff for playing their part in a "fantastic" first season at the team, which featured a trio of race victories and 10 further podium finishes.

Vettel notched up four titles over six seasons at Red Bull, but failed to win a race in 2014, and joined Ferrari – which had also struggled to adapt to the new turbo engine era – for 2015.

Vettel and Ferrari stepped forward as the main challenger to pace-setter Mercedes, winning at the Malaysian, Hungarian and Singapore Grands Prix – the latter from pole position.

"This, my first year with Ferrari, has been fantastic, with plenty of successes," commented Vettel during Ferrari's annual Gestione Sportiva Christmas lunch in Maranello.

"Hearing the German and Italian national anthems on the podium was an indescribable feeling.

"Thanks to all you men and women at Ferrari who, every year, put together this red miracle. Thanks for the affection you have shown me."

Kimi Raikkonen, who returned to Ferrari in 2014, says that he has noticed a positive change in atmosphere at the outfit over the past 12 months.

"This year did not get off to a very good start for me, but it ended on an upbeat," said the Finn, who claimed three podium finishes over the course of the season.

"We must continue working together and then I'm sure the results will come. Because now, we are really a team and actually, I'm sure we will be a great team."

Ferrari ended the season second in the Constructors' standings, 275 points adrift of Mercedes, with Vettel and Raikkonen third and fourth in the Drivers' battle.

The Mexicans loved it

Gutierrez drives Ferrari in Mexico City
The noise of a V8 engine provided a wakeup call in Mexico City to any who were not already lining the Paseo de la Reforma for the Scuderia Ferrari Street Demo.

The event was organized by the team’s sponsor Telcel, to celebrate Formula 1’s return to Mexico. Doing the honors on his home turf, at the wheel of an F60 – the car with which Ferrari contested the 2009 World Championship – was the Scuderia’s third driver, Esteban Gutierrez.

He carried out a series of demonstration runs on the road that links the Glorieta de la Palma to Fuente de la Diana Cazadora. Also taking part was another Mexican, Ricardo Perez de Lara, at the wheel of the 458 Challenge EVO with which he competes in the North American series of the Ferrari Challenge.

"It was an incredible feeling and a cause of much pride for me to drive a Ferrari here today," commented Esteban at the end of the event.

"Following on from the Rodriguez brothers and the fact there has not been a Formula 1 race in Mexico for so many years, meant that driving a Ferrari on the streets in this country has a special significance for me. The enthusiasm of the crowd that turned out confirms the great passion there is for this sport in my country."

F1 could find new US GP venue – Haas
(GMM) America's future in F1 is not endangered by the problems facing the current US grand prix in Austin.

That is the view of Gene Haas, the founder and owner of the sport's new Ferrari-linked American team for 2016.

The US grand prix in Austin is in doubt for the future over a funding dispute with the Texas government.

But Haas said that while Austin is "perfect" for F1 at the moment, "There are plenty of racing venues available".

"If COTA unfortunately wouldn't be able to make it, I think that another one would pop up.

"We want to have a US race," he added, "and I think Bernie (Ecclestone) understands how important a US race is."

Ecclestone must solve engines says Marichionne

Ecclestone must solve engines says Marchionne

Ecclestone must solve engine problem – Marchionne
(GMM) Sergio Marchionne pulled no punches when asked about an apparent 'war' with Bernie Ecclestone and the FIA.

Recently, the F1 supremo as well as Jean Todt questioned Ferrari's historic 'veto'.

And the latest exchange is that the Marchionne-led Ferrari is now challenging a "mandate" given to the FIA president and Ecclestone to fix aspects of the sport.

"Jean Todt and Bernie Ecclestone have no right to put our right of veto up for discussion," Marchionne, the Ferrari president, insisted.

The main issue at stake is 'power units', with the authorities concerned that carmakers like Ferrari and Mercedes wield too much power at the moment.

But Marchionne said: "They wanted these power units. It was (Max) Mosley's idea and he was right — the future of the auto industry is hybrid."

Having rejected the 'parallel' rules proposal, the manufacturers have now been tasked with coming up with a new, cheaper and more competitive engine formula.

But Marchionne said: "It is simply not true that this is not possible with the current engines. We need to find compromises.

"If formula one becomes a kind of single seater version of Nascar, then Ferrari is not interested. At the same time, I do not think there is anyone at all who wants us to leave grand prix racing," he added.

"I understand the problem of the smaller teams, but this is a problem that FOM has to bear, not Ferrari. Ecclestone will have to take the responsibility to make an engine equivalent to ours available to other teams.

"It is an investment that I think he should do in the interest of the sport," said Marchionne.

Look to MotoGP for new F1 rules model – Marchionne
(GMM) F1 should look to the two-wheeled world of MotoGP for a system of simpler rules.

That is the claim of Ferrari president Sergio Marchionne, who said the status quo in formula one is too complex.

"The rules we have in F1 have nothing to do with the rules in MotoGP," he said.

"In the bikes, the manufacturers are treated with great respect, everything is solved together and decisions are made consistently and quickly.

"It's a different approach, a different attitude in trying to change something taking into account the tastes of the public.

"I think when you need a lawyer rather than en engineer to properly interpret the rules, we cannot go on like that," he said.

However, Marchionne said the latest talks about rules – presumably about 2017 and beyond – are making much more sense.

"A year ago I joked that it seemed like our rules were designed by four drunks at a bar. Well, it seems like they have reduced their consumption a little," he smiled.

Vettel fit right in at Ferrari

Vettel 'more Ferrarista' than Alonso ever was – Marchionne
(GMM) In assessing Sebastian Vettel's first year at Ferrari, president Sergio Marchionne aimed a pointed barb at Fernando Alonso.

Vettel replaced the McLaren-Honda bound Alonso at the fabled Maranello team this year, and Marchionne sounds more than happy with the move.

"Vettel is fantastic. Last Saturday here in Maranello he made a speech in front of our 1200 people, completely in Italian. It was unbelievable.

"In only one year, I can say he became more of a Ferrarista than Alonso did in five years," Marchionne charged.

The Italian-Canadian also said Ferrari is happy with Kimi Raikkonen, even though the team considered not renewing his contract for 2016.

"I saw a huge change in Kimi during the season," Marchionne said. "Now and then he shows me photos of his baby — I think he is becoming a lot more settled, which I think will be helpful in 2016.

"I think he will be the most engaged we have seen him for the last little while. I am delighted he is part of the team," he added.

Domenicali linked with move to Lamborghini
(GMM) Stefano Domenicali, the former Ferrari team boss, looks set for yet another new challenge.

Italy's La Gazzetta dello Sport reports that the Italian, who after leaving F1 found a new role at Audi, is now being lined up as the next CEO of Lamborghini.

Both carmakers are owned by Volkswagen.

Domenicali, 50, recently told the well-known Ferrari insider Leo Turrini: "Do I miss formula one? Yes, a little, that's inevitable.

"I thought I could do more (in F1), but I have no regrets," he is quoted by Speed Week.

"Of course I still watch it. I do not see a crisis, but we have a problem with the younger generation. I also have children and they simply do not want to spend two hours in front a television watching cars race.

"The sport needs to adapt better to the new ways of communication, without denying its history. This is a difficult balancing act, but I am convinced that it is possible to find a solution," Domenicali added.

Daniel Ricciardo leaving options open

Ricciardo leaving options open for 2017
(GMM) Daniel Ricciardo says he doesn't want to turn his mind to his expiring Red Bull contract quite yet.

The Australian admits he became frustrated at times this year, as the energy drink stable's premier team struggled for a second consecutive year.

"The frustration built up more than I would have liked," Ricciardo told Australia's Fox Sports on a visit home to Perth. "Nine times out of ten I kept a lid on it and did what I had to do. I tried to keep smiling."

But there were times when teammate Daniil Kvyat beat the more experienced Ricciardo in 2015, and in fact the young Russian actually outscored him.

"I think Daniil did well turn his season around," said Ricciardo. "His first four races he was a little bit lost, and some people would have said he couldn't cope in a top team, but in Monaco started to turn it on."

He thinks there could also be frustrating times in 2016, as Red Bull stays with Renault power but re-brands it as Tag-Heuer.

"Ferrari caught up a little bit," he said of Mercedes' dominance this year, "but I think in general when they wanted to turn it on they could.

"They (Mercedes) are definitely still going to be the team to beat next year," Ricciardo is quoted by the Daily Mail.

"I think it's unrealistic to think we can come out and fight for a win," he continued to Fox.

And so when it comes to his expiring contract, Ricciardo is leaving his options open for now.

"It's something I have to play by ear. In 2017 there are a lot of rule changes and the last thing I want to do is an Alonso, jumping ship and then the ship you've left is the one you want to be on," he said.

"In an ideal world I will stay at Red Bull and we will find the dominance again. But that's something for later in the season."

Sergio Marchionne laughs at notion

Ferrari 'nothing to do' with spy story – Marchionne
(GMM) Ferrari has continued to distance itself from the new 'spy story' in formula one.

Recently, it emerged that Mercedes is suing a member of its engine team for trying to take confidential data with him ahead of a reported move to Ferrari.

But a Ferrari spokesman insisted recently: "There were talks but it's not true that he was on the verge of joining us.

"What he did concerns only him and the company he was working for," he added.

Ferrari's denial has now risen all the way up to its and Fiat Chrysler's president Sergio Marchionne, who told Italian media: "I don't know this engineer (Benjamin) Hoyle.

"We never received data about the Mercedes engine — this is a cunning trick by a shrewd lawyer," Marchionne added.

"We will do everything we can to show that Ferrari has nothing to do with this whole thing."

Floatation will not hurt Ferrari in F1 – Marchionne
(GMM) Sergio Marchionne has denied that Ferrari's floatation will affect the fabled F1 team.

Earlier, owner Fiat Chrysler floated 10 per cent of the Maranello marque's shares.

And now president Marchionne has confirmed that the bulk of the remainder will be listed on the Milan Stock Exchange on January 4.

It is said the windfall to Fiat will be about $4 billion, with former president Luca di Montezemolo telling Italian media that Ferrari "has become Fiat's cash machine".

But Marchionne said on Monday: "The stock market will not affect the future of the racing department.

"One has nothing to do with the other, even if Wall Street or Milan will watch the results of the grands prix with a bit of extra attention."

Dr Helmut Marko

Marko hopes 'watch will not stop' in 2016
(GMM) Dr Helmut Marko said he is hopeful changes at Renault will help Red Bull to charge back towards the front in F1.

The energy drink company tried to dump Renault and switch to an alternative supplier for 2016, but instead will simply re-brand its French units as 'Tag Heuer'.

"Tag Heuer is the engine?" Mercedes' F1 chairman Niki Lauda laughed at fellow Austrian Marko on Servus TV this week.

"So when they fail now, will they say that the watch has stopped?" he beamed.

Lauda said he thinks Ferrari will be Mercedes' biggest competitor in 2016, but he noted that Renault has upped its commitment.

Marko agrees: "Thankfully there are changes at Renault with extra manpower and a more concentrated effort. We hope that we will be closer."

He is angry, however, that Mercedes, Ferrari and even Honda conspired against Red Bull to refuse them access to a different engine.

"It is not acceptable that manufacturers manipulate who gets an engine," said Marko.

Lauda agrees that it is "reasonable that from 2018 all manufacturers will make available to customers a cheaper engine".

But he said Bernie Ecclestone's plan to install an independent supplier with different rules is wrong.

"It cannot be that Red Bull has an engine connected to him (Ecclestone) which he (Marko) then turns up and beats us with. That is manipulation."

Lauda also backed Mercedes' Lewis Hamilton and Nico Rosberg amid their feuding, arguing that "Our success lies in the fact that they are pushing".

But Marko hit back: "Niki overlooks the fact that no one is coming close to their car."

"Would you suggest that we go slower?" Lauda retorted. "Much easier," answered Marko, "would have been to give us an engine."

But also refusing to give Red Bull an engine was Ferrari, whose president Sergio Marchionne on Monday slammed the energy drink stable.

"I find it offensive that somebody (Red Bull) considered it normal and rightful to have a good engine. Nobody has the right to such an engine," he said.

Marchionne was referring to Red Bull's constant criticism of its existing engine partner Renault.

"Is a team strong with a chassis if it has no engine?" he wondered.

Ferrari brass tell media teams need more money

Teams need more money for 21 races – Marchionne
(GMM) Ferrari has backed Mercedes in worrying about next year's unprecedentedly-long race calendar.

The FIA recently approved an increase in the maximum number of races per season from 20 to 21, as Germany returns and Azerbaijan joins the calendar.

But Mercedes chief Toto Wolff thinks the new schedule pushes teams beyond what is "feasible" in terms of the workload for staff with families.

Ferrari president Sergio Marchionne, meanwhile, is worried about the financial aspect.

"Bernie now has to come to the teams to ensure that all of them can come to the 21 races that he has put on the schedule," he is quoted by Finland's Turun Sanomat newspaper.

"The maximum number of grands prix has been increased, so Bernie knows what he has to do now," Marchionne added. "He has to raise more money to ensure that all the teams are able to come to that many races."

Team boss Maurizio Arrivabene backed his fellow Italian, declaring that "It is clear that there will be some help from FOM, because the calendar is really crazy."

We had to laugh – Hamilton and Rosberg made F1 a borefest

Ecclestone wrong to say F1 'boring' – Hamilton
(GMM) Bernie Ecclestone has no reason to be "bored" by today's formula one, back-to-back world champion Lewis Hamilton insists.

F1 supremo Ecclestone said recently that urgent rule changes are necessary due to Mercedes' unprecedented dominance.

But Hamilton told the Chinese news agency Xinhua: "Why should he be bored?

"I am definitely not bored at all. Ultimately he (Ecclestone) has to say something, but if he is bored now, then he has been bored for many years before as well.

"He was bored when Ferrari was top, when Renault was leading, when McLaren was right at the top. We at Mercedes have only won twice in a row, it is not like we had four or five.

"I think we are far from being boring. And it is not the most positive thing for formula one to say things like that," Hamilton added.